The coming conscience vote on historic right-to-die legislation will give MPs the chance to vote on an issue by following their heart, rather than operating as cogs in a party political machine. .
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Euthanasia around the world
Advocate Andrew Denton speaks about Australia's role in spreading euthanasia laws around the globe.
An optimistic view is that this could be parliament at its best, a chance to rise above the political bickering that evokes so much public cynicism.
It will be one of the defining issues for the Andrews government.
Victoria would be the only jurisdiction in Australia to allow voluntary euthanasia if the legislation passes.
And those who watch the debate can expect highly emotional speeches on the floor of both houses of parliament.
For many MPs, their own experiences and beliefs will dictate their vote.
It's a far more complicated issue than the gay marriage question that may come before federal parliament one day.
Although the federal government overturned the Northern Territory parliament's vote for voluntary euthanasia in the 1990s, it understood the same thing could not be happen with Victoria.
Many Victorian MPs remain undecided.
Hopefully free of party discipline, MPs will have to think deeply and provide insight into the factors that shape their vote.
There will likely be unusual coalitions that defy party boundaries to usher through or thwart this unprecedented change.
Health Minister Jill Hennessy has flagged plans to introduce legislation into parliament as soon as possible.
But in the interests of giving it the best chance of passing, she has stressed the many safeguards in place to allay the concerns of those MPs yet to make up their minds.
Although Hennessy believes the community supports change, she concedes some MPs will never support the proposed regime.
"What I think counts is that we have a respectful debate and discussion and that has been my experience to date," she said.
But some have already warned the debate will be damaged if legislation is rushed through, without giving all MPs the chance to consider and speak on the proposed laws.
This sensitive debate needs to be conducted with both courtesy for opposing views and courage in personal convictions.
Any political point scoring would just reinforce the suspicion with which many Victorians regard their elected officials.
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